I'm 5'7, 200 lbs. I had liposuction all over and 5000 cc's was removed. How soon should I see results, and will it be drastic?

Question

I am now super swollen all over and want to know how long I can expect it to last and how soon before I see any results. Also, can I expect to see a drastic change in my size/shape with that amount of fat removed?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It takes 4-6 weeks for the swelling to begin subsiding and the final results are not seen for 3-6 months, sometimes longer if laser or ultrasound technologies were used.  Have some patience.  Eat a low salt diet, start exercising when your doctor allows, and continue with compression for a while if you are swollen.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Mark D. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

I wish I could give you a useful answer to this question but there are too many unknowns here - 1. No photos pre op2. Technique of liposuction (tumescent, VASER, Smart Lipo, etc) unknown3. Areas treated unknown4. % of fat in aspirate (removed fluid and fat tissue) unknown5. Everyone heals differently.Best of luck and I hope that you do achieve results that you are happy with!

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction results generally take several months to be become evident. This is especially true for your situation which would be considered large volume liposuction.  The areas where fat was removed are now filled with fluid due to the tumescent solution as well as natural inflammation, which is the body's normal response to healing.  Even though you only have a few small incisions, there is a large area below the skin that needs to heal.  I would imagine that you would see a significant change due to the volume of fat removed, however every patient is different.  Keep in mind that liposuction is most effective when used for body contouring rather than as a mechanism for weight loss.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I always tell patients that it can take 3-6 weeks for most of the swelling to subside, but it can take 4-6 months for most areas for you to see the final result.  Best of luck.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Without before and after pics it will be hard to predict your outcome.  Having 5000 cc removed is a large amount of aspirate though and swelling is expected and should decrease with time.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and I think Dr Epstein has given you an excellent answer.  It is really the amount of fat in that 5000cc 'a that is key relative to the amount in the areas treated Dr Corbin

I'm 5'7, 200 lbs. I had liposuction all over and 5000 cc's was removed. How soon should I see results, and will it be drastic?

Answers (6)